A quick recap… Anthony Mackie is playing Falcon, alongside Chris Evans, in the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger (titled Winter Soldier), which is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo.

Stan Lee introduced Falcon in Captain America #117 (September 1969),calling him “the first African American superhero.“

The character, Sam Wilson, is Harlem-based and had many street adventures with Cap in the 1970s comics, when he served as his partner. In current comics, Falcon is a key player in many of Cap’s espionage adventures.

His superhero abilities include: an empathic link with his pet falcon, has the ability to see through the eyes of nearby birds, can fly, is skilled in martial artist, and is a gymnast.

Winter Soldier will center heavily on the apparent resurrection of Bucky Barnes, played in Captain America: The First Avenger by Sebastian Stan.

Mackie is certainly excited about the opportunity to play Falcon, and as noted in an interview he did with SuperheroHype.com last fall, when he shared that he was taking it all very seriously, because “he considers The Falcon to be an iconic role as Marvel’s first real African American superhero.“

By the way, Samuel L. Jackson is in this as well, reprising his role as Nick Fury.

Captain America: Winter Soldier opens April 4, 2014.

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